Air traffic across Greece was brought to a standstill on Sunday after a major technical problem disrupted critical air traffic control systems, making aircraft landings and departures impossible for a significant period of time.
A serious technical failure occurred in Greek airspace, rendering all take-offs and landings at airports across the country temporarily impossible.
The issue concerns the central radio frequency systems used by the Athens and Macedonia Area Control Centres, which operate under the supervision of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority.
The malfunction is affecting all flights entering or exiting Greek airspace, as air traffic controllers are currently unable to carry out approach and departure procedures safely until the problem is resolved.
Efforts are under way to restore radio communications as quickly as possible, while an official update from the Civil Aviation Authority is expected.
In a statement, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works said the closure was necessary due to a technical problem involving radio frequencies in the Athens FIR.
As a result, all flights departing from and arriving at Greek airports are affected, as well as flights transiting through the Athens FIR.
To avoid unnecessary inconvenience, passengers whose flights may be impacted are advised to contact their airlines directly for updated information before travelling to airports.
According to available information, the issue affects the central radio frequency systems operated by the Athens and Macedonia Area Control Centres, which fall under the supervision of the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority. As a result, approach and departure procedures have become impossible until the fault is resolved.
Efforts are under way to restore radio communications as quickly as possible, while an official update from the civil aviation authority is expected.
Flights To And From Cyprus Affected
The technical problem at the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) is also impacting flights to and from Cyprus, according to information provided to the Cyprus News Agency by Hermes Airports, which manages Cyprus’ airports.
At Larnaca airport, three flights are currently affected: two departures operated by Aegean Airlines and Sky Express, and one arrival by Aegean Airlines. The number of passengers impacted by these flights is estimated at around 500.
At Paphos airport, a Ryanair flight scheduled to depart for Athens at 16:20 is also expected to be affected if the technical issue is not resolved in time.
As regards other flights bound for Cyprus that would normally pass through Greek airspace, airlines are in the process of adjusting flight plans to follow alternative routes and avoid the Athens FIR.
Passengers are advised to closely monitor announcements from their airlines for further updates.